Cost of Living in Kuwait City
Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Kuwait City helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Cost of Living | Kuwait City |
Apartment Rentals | Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from 250-400 KWD (835-1,350 USD) per month, while a three-bedroom apartment can cost up to 800 KWD (2,700 USD) per month. Outside of the city center, rent can be significantly lower. |
Apartment Purchases | The cost of purchasing an apartment in Kuwait City can range from 1,000-2,000 KWD (3,400-6,800 USD) per square meter. The cost of a three-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from 500,000-1,000,000 KWD (170,000-340,000 USD). |
Transportation | Public transportation in Kuwait City is relatively inexpensive. A single bus ticket costs 0.500 KWD (1.70 USD), while a monthly pass costs 25 KWD (85 USD). Taxis are also available and fares start at 1.500 KWD (5.10 USD). |
Groceries | Groceries in Kuwait City are relatively inexpensive. A liter of milk costs 0.500 KWD (1.70 USD), a loaf of bread costs 0.500 KWD (1.70 USD), a dozen eggs costs 1.500 KWD (5.10 USD), and a kilogram of chicken costs 3.000 KWD (10.20 USD). |
Restaurants | Eating out in Kuwait City can be relatively expensive. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost around 5.000 KWD (17.00 USD), while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can cost around 25.000 KWD (85.00 USD). |
Utilities | Utilities in Kuwait City are relatively inexpensive. Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, can cost around 50.000 KWD (170.00 USD) per month. |
Private School Tuition | Private school tuition in Kuwait City can be expensive. Preschool tuition can range from 1,000-2,000 KWD (3,400-6,800 USD) per year, while elementary school tuition can range from 2,000-3,000 KWD (6,800-10,200 USD) per year. Middle school tuition can range from 3,000-4,000 KWD (10,200-13,600 USD) per year, and high school tuition can range from 4,000-5,000 KWD (13,600-17,000 USD) per year. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Kuwait City
"The cost of living in Kuwait City is relatively high compared to other cities in the region. Housing and accommodation expenses are quite steep, especially in popular expat areas. Utilities, such as electricity and water, are generally affordable due to government subsidies. Transportation costs are relatively low, as fuel prices are subsidized and public transportation is inexpensive. However, owning a car is common and can add to the overall cost of living.Groceries and food prices can vary, with imported goods being more expensive than local products. Dining out at restaurants can range from affordable to pricey, depending on the type of establishment. Healthcare is of high quality, but private healthcare can be costly, so many expats opt for comprehensive health insurance.Education costs can be a significant expense for families, as international schools are popular among expats but come with high tuition fees. Entertainment and leisure activities, such as gym memberships and cinema tickets, are generally on par with or slightly higher than prices in Western countries.Overall, while the cost of living in Kuwait City can be high, salaries are often tax-free and expat packages may include housing allowances and other benefits, which can help offset the expenses," said one expat living in Kuwait City.
Can I live in Kuwait City on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Kuwait City for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods like Salwa, Fintas, and Jabriya might be out of your budget. Instead, consider looking for a place in areas like Salmiya, Hawally, or Farwaniya. These neighborhoods are more affordable and still offer decent amenities.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Owning a car can be expensive, so you might want to rely on public transportation or taxis. The good news is that taxis are relatively cheap, and you can use apps like Careem or Talabat Go to get around the city.When it comes to dining out, you'll need to be selective. There are plenty of affordable local restaurants and street food options, but you'll need to avoid the more expensive international restaurants and cafes. Cooking at home can also help you save money on food expenses.Entertainment can be another area where you'll need to cut back. Instead of going to the movies or other paid attractions, consider taking advantage of the many free or low-cost activities available in Kuwait City, such as visiting the beach, parks, or local markets.Lastly, be prepared to limit your shopping and personal expenses. While there are plenty of malls and shops in Kuwait City, you'll need to be disciplined about sticking to your budget and only buying essentials.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Kuwait City is doable, but it will require some sacrifices and careful budgeting. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being mindful of transportation costs, and limiting your dining, entertainment, and shopping expenses, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Kuwait City.
Can I live in Kuwait City on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Kuwait City for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. The cost of living in Kuwait can be quite high, especially when it comes to housing and transportation. First, let's talk about housing. If you want to live in a more affordable neighborhood, I'd recommend looking into areas like Salmiya, Hawally, or Farwaniya. These areas are a bit further from the city center, but you can find decent apartments for around $800 to $1,200 a month. On the other hand, if you're looking for something more upscale, you might want to consider neighborhoods like Salwa, Jabriya, or Bida'a, but be prepared to pay upwards of $1,500 to $2,500 a month for a nice apartment.As for transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive in Kuwait, especially with the high cost of insurance and maintenance. If you're trying to save money, I'd recommend using public transportation or taxis, which are relatively affordable. However, keep in mind that the public transportation system isn't as extensive as in other countries, so you might have to rely on taxis more often.When it comes to groceries and dining out, you can find a wide range of options to suit your budget. There are plenty of local markets where you can buy fresh produce and other essentials at reasonable prices. If you prefer dining out, there are plenty of affordable restaurants and cafes, especially in the more budget-friendly neighborhoods I mentioned earlier.One thing to keep in mind is that entertainment and leisure activities can be quite expensive in Kuwait. If you're used to going out often or participating in various activities, you might have to cut back on those to stay within your budget. However, there are still plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, such as visiting the beach, exploring local parks, or attending cultural events.In conclusion, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Kuwait City is possible, but you'll have to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, relying on public transportation, and being selective with your entertainment choices, you can make it work," said one expat living in Kuwait City.
Can I live in Kuwait City on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Kuwait City for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, there might be some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, housing can be quite expensive in certain areas, so you'll want to avoid neighborhoods like Salwa, Fintas, and Messila, as they tend to be on the pricier side. Instead, consider more affordable areas like Salmiya, Hawally, or Farwaniya. You can find decent apartments in these neighborhoods for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month, which should leave you with enough money for other expenses.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite affordable in Kuwait, as gasoline prices are relatively low. However, if you want to save even more, you can rely on public transportation, which is quite cheap, or use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem.Groceries and dining out can also be quite affordable, especially if you're willing to try local cuisine and shop at local markets. There are also plenty of international supermarkets and restaurants available, but they can be more expensive. To save on food costs, try cooking at home more often and avoid dining out too frequently.Entertainment and leisure activities can vary in price, but there are plenty of affordable options available. You can enjoy outdoor activities like visiting the beach or exploring the desert, which are usually free or low-cost. There are also plenty of malls, cinemas, and other entertainment venues, but keep in mind that these can add up if you visit them frequently.In terms of healthcare, private hospitals and clinics can be quite expensive, so it's essential to have good health insurance coverage. Many employers in Kuwait provide health insurance as part of their benefits package, so make sure to check with your company before moving.Overall, living in Kuwait City on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices to ensure you stay within your budget. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, relying on public transportation, and being conscious of your spending on food and entertainment, you should be able to live comfortably and enjoy your time in Kuwait," commented an expat living in Kuwait City.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Fun Classes for Expats Living in Kuwait City
- Best Bookstores and Libraries in Kuwait City
- Public Transportation in Kuwait City
- Best Markets in Kuwait City
- Retire in Kuwait City Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in Kuwait City
- Pros & Cons of Living in Kuwait City
- Driving in Kuwait City
- Cost of Living in Kuwait City
- Health Care in Kuwait City
- Discover the Best of Kuwait City
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Kuwait
- Best Places to Live in Kuwait
- Pros & Cons of Living in Kuwait
- How to Navigate the Health System in Kuwait
- Pros and Cons of Living in Kuwait 2024